Counterfeiting

Counterfeiting in Miami typically consists of creating currency, identification cards, checks, etc. without permission, with the intent to defraud and/or deceive another. Counterfeiting is a crime that can be prosecuted in federal and state courts. Although both state and federal agencies are attempting to prevent the replication and transfer of counterfeit legal tender and currencies, they are investigating and prosecuting certain forms of counterfeiting.

Violations of Florida counterfeiting laws include the copying or counterfeiting of private marks or products covered by existing copyright and trademark legislation, checks and other legitimate instruments utilized by the banking industry, admission passes to events like concerts and sports games, medical records and prescription slips and state-issued personal identification cards and driver licenses Under Florida law when the case involves counterfeiting of private labels, two forms of offenses can be prosecuted. Anyone who deliberately forges or falsifies any form of products or services covered by trademarks or service marks may be prosecuted for counterfeiting.

In recent years, as counterfeiting activities have become more effective and widespread, product-based businesses have faced growing difficulties in retaining control over their products. The wide price markups for famous branded products such as shoes, handbags, perfume, and luxury watches are highly appealing to personal-goods sellers and are highly prone to counterfeiting. Defendants can be charged for this crime by both local and federal authorities. Task forces also work closely with federal and local law enforcement agencies. The seriousness of the offense will ultimately decide how the case will be done by the state or federal government.

Although products like shoes and clothing are common in counterfeiting, the crime can also be associated with other forms of products, such as copying and selling films. Producing copies of such products can only be counterfeit if the manufacturer and seller tried to defraud the buyer or recipient of the product. Under federal law, the purchaser of the products may also be held liable if the person knew the product was counterfeit and accepted it. If all parties are aware of the counterfeit nature of the product(s) then the federal government may impose the charge of criminal infringement. The federal sentencing guidelines, like all federal offenses, would determine the punishment with the quantity and value of the counterfeit goods factoring heavily in the decision.

Counterfeiting crimes involving currency are taken extremely seriously. If the falsified money was a $100 bill or a single dollar bill, it is meaningless in the eyes of the law. Counterfeiting charges aren't relegated money as they also apply to the instruments used in making it. It is a punishable federal crime to copy money, checks, bonds, or even postal stamps, just like the forging of documents like passports, a social security card, or a birth certificate.

The crime of currency counterfeiting is so extreme that it's often investigated by the US. Secret Service, the same government agency entrusted with a pair of missions: the protection of domestic and guest foreign leaders, and safeguarding American currency. Counterfeiting is often viewed as a danger to national security because counterfeiting is one means of funding terrorist activity.

Anyone being investigated for or accused of counterfeiting charges should have the advice of a federal criminal lawyer with federal court experience. Trafficking of falsified goods is typically a crime of a domestic or international nature and is thus governed by the federal government. The penalty can be up to 20 years in prison and large fines for committing a counterfeiting offense. The possible punishment received for the prosecution of this crime primarily depends on the degree of complexity, how much damage the victims suffered, and the number of victims affected